Illegal firearms crimes decrease

The number of indictments brought on illegal firearms charges in northern Ohio decreased last year compared to 2011.

As part of Project Safe Neighborhood, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio filed 176 illegal firearms indictments in 2012, down from 218 indictments in 2011, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach said.

"This office places a high priority on keeping firearms out of the hands of those who are forbidden by law from obtaining them," Dettelbach said. "Whether it is a person using a gun to commit a violent crime, a felon illegally obtaining a firearm or a straw purchaser trying to circumvent the law, we will aggressively pursue those who would violate our nation's firearms laws."

Founded in 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide effort to reduce gun and gang crimes by providing existing programs with additional support. About $2 billion has been spent on the project to hire new prosecutors, support investigators, distribute gun lock safety kits and strengthen community outreach efforts.

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The northern Ohio district covers 40 counties and has four offices. The Cleveland office, which covers Lake and Geauga counties, filed the most indictments with 86. The Toledo office filed 31 indictments, Akron filed 30 and Youngstown, 29.

The 176 indictments resulted in 146 sentences being handed out, with an average punishment of more than six years in prison.

"Ensuring public safety and pursuing individuals who illegally use and possess firearms in furtherance of their activities is a top priority of the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives)," said Special Agent in Charge of the Columbus field division Robin Shoemaker. "We will continue to perfect criminal cases against these types of individuals and hold them accountable for their actions."

Since the start of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 2002 saw the least amount of indictments at 117. The most indictments, 220, came in 2005.